+3 Interview: The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck

“I guess I got lucky with my first Edinburgh experience but at least I realised early on what was possible.”

WHO: Jimmy Jewell, Producer

WHAT:“Escape to Beatrix Potter’s wonderful world and enjoy her timeless tales of our favourite characters Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck. Award-winning soprano and actress Michelle Todd and the Children’s Classic Concerts Festival Ensemble perform Stephen McNeff’s enchanting musical settings, which have delighted audiences across the world. ‘Perfect for kids… it has a great charm and a tour de force narration’ (Guardian). Peter and Jemima image copyright held by Frederick Warne & Co.”

I have been coming to the fringe for the past twenty years. As a fresh faced 17 year old I came with the National Youth Music Theatre in our production of Bugsy Malone where I played Sam the Piano Player! We played at the George Square Theatre and transferred straight to the West End the following year. I guess I got lucky with my first Edinburgh experience but at least I realised early on what was possible. I have been here as a performer, a musician, writer and for the last few years as a producer.

Tell us about your show.

The show is called ‘The Tales of Peter Rabbit & Jemima Puddle-Duck’ by the legendary Beatrix Potter, and it is derived from a concert adaptation by Adrian Mitchell with music by Stephen McNeff. I first heard it one year ago when the star of our show, Michelle Todd, played it to me. I knew it would be perfect for the fringe so I contacted Children’s Classic Concerts in Scotland, e-mailed the composer, and got on with it! We have plans to tour the piece internationally following the Edinburgh run.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

My audience is very age specific – The Tales of Peter Rabbit & Jemima Puddle-Duck is aimed at 3 – 9 years olds so I would recommend the David Walliams show ‘First Hippo on the Moon’ or ‘Gruffalo’s Child’.

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